Inside the Astros

Houston Astros Interested in Acquiring All-Star Pitcher at Trade Deadline

The Houston Astros are looking to add first time All-Star pitcher Michael Lorenzen at the MLB Trade Deadline

Brad Wakai

Houston Astros Interested in Acquiring All-Star Pitcher at Trade Deadline
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The Houston Astros have made it clear they're going to be aggressive ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline on August 1st.

They've been linked to two of the biggest names on the Chicago Cubs and are clearly looking to upgrade their pitching rotation.

Now, MLB Insider Jon Morosi is reporting that the Astros have interest in acquiring first time All-Star pitcher Michael Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers.

The right handed pitcher is having his best year as a starter at the major league level. In 17 starts, he's posted a 5-6 record with a 3.49 ERA. Lorenzen has throw just under 19 scoreless innings in his last three starts.

Despite sitting with a 44-52 record entering Friday, the Tigers have not decided if they will be sellers at the deadline because they're five games out of first place in the AL Central.

Lorenzen will enter the offseason as a free agent so there's a possibility that he could be dealt to get back prospects regardless of their standing in the division.

Houston has dealt with a shaky pitching situation all season.

Last year's starting pitchers Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are out for the year, while Jose Urquidy continues to stay on the IL.

If Detroit decides to trade Lorenzen, this is the time to do it. His stock has never been higher and the market is actively looking for pitching. They'll be able to get a return on a player most likely leaving in the offseason.

The right hander has experience as both a starter and a reliever.

The Astros are looking for starting pitching help right now, but could use Lorenzen's pitching flexibility in multiple ways in the postseason.

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Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He is also the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

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